2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid vs. 2012 Toyota Prius V

With their small-van designs and high-mpg performance, the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and 2012 Toyota Prius V are designed to give shoppers roomier hybrid options. Toyota has long dominated the hybrid market. However, Ford seems rather confident in the fact that they've created the better vehicle. Keep reading to compare the features, specs and pricing of the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and 2012 Toyota Prius V.

Styling: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid vs. 2012 Toyota Prius V

The Ford C-Max is billed as an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). This terminology can loosely be interpreted as a sedan/minivan crossover. While built on Ford's compact vehicle platform, the extended cabin and tall rear end share striking similarities with larger vehicles. The result is a fairly compact vehicle that is also fairly roomy.

In contrast, Toyota prefers to refer to the Prius V as a wagon – and with good reason. The boxier exterior design is much more reminiscent of the classic station wagon design. In the in end, this boxier design helps the Prius V win out in the category of cargo. With seats up, the Toyota offering delivers 34.3 cubic feet of storage, compared to the C-Max's 24.5 cubic feet. With seats down, the Prius V wins out with 67.3 cubic feet (C-Max offers 54.3 cubic feet).

Performance: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid vs. 2012 Toyota Prius V

The Ford C-Max receives a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that mates to an electric motor. Combined, this powerplant promises 141 horsepower. The larger Prius V receives a slightly smaller engine in the form of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that pairs to two electric motors. The end result is 134 horsepower and 153 lb-ft. of torque. While neither vehicle delivers what might be described as white-knuckle performance, the C-Max is poised to offer just a little more peppiness.

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The Toyota Prius V delivers fuel figures to the tune of 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (42 mpg combined). The C-Max has yet to be tested by the EPA. However, Ken Czubay (Ford's VP of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service) has already stated the "C-Max Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius V." As such, shoppers shouldn't be surprised to see the C-Max edge out the Prius V when the EPA finally gets around to testing the C-Max.

Safety: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid vs. 2012 Toyota Prius V

The Toyota Prius V comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. The Ford C-Max Hybrid will offer a similar starting package, with seven airbags (including driver's knee airbag) already confirmed by the company. A rearview camera and active park assist system will also be available on all models.

Pricing and Features: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid vs. 2012 Toyota Prius V

Base price for the 2013 C-Max Hybrid is listed at $25,995. This undercuts the Prius V's initial asking price of $26,550. Standard features for the C-Max Hybrid will be extensive, and include 17-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, tinted windows, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control and a nine-speaker stereo. This starting package proves more impressive than that of the Prius V, which includes 16-inch wheels, single-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery and a six-speaker stereo.